Two kayakers paddle along the shoreline of Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Ga. The lake is a major water source for metro Atlanta.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. - With recent rains, Lake Lanier is at its highest level in almost two years.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/148wS8Q) that above-average rainfall has brought the lake's level to within 4.21 feet of full pool -- its optimum operating level. The last time the lake northeast of Atlanta was this high was July 26, 2011.

Joanna Cloud, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association, says the rising water is a bit of inconvenience for property owners because they have to keep adjusting their docks. However, she said that is "an inconvenience people are happy to have."

Thursday's lake level is in sharp contrast to conditions two months ago, when the lake fell to 13 feet below full pool, its lowest level in three years.